What should you consider before you look for a lawyer?
You have a problem and think you want a lawyer to represent you. First, think about whether you can resolve the situation to your satisfaction without hiring an attorney. Often, the answer is yes, you can.
Many companies and public utilities offer customer service departments that effectively address consumer problems and complaints. If you think you've been ripped off in the marketplace, make a phone call or send a letter or email to the offending party or business before you contact a lawyer. Many state attorney general offices also have consumer protection departments.
If you have a problem with a regulated industry such as banking or insurance, contact the agency in your state responsible for overseeing that industry.
Community groups such as elder associations, civil rights groups and other organizations offer free legal help and information.
Some disputes may be resolved by using increasingly popular litigation alternatives such as mediation or arbitration. Businesses and individuals might agree to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) rather than court action to resolve legal conflicts.
How quickly should you consult a lawyer?
Sometimes you have lots of time to consider your alternatives. In other situations, you need to act fast. If prosecutors have accused you of a crime, or law enforcement authorities are questioning you about your involvement in a serious criminal matter, consult a lawyer immediately. Similarly, if you receive a summons and complaint naming you as a defendant in a lawsuit, don't delay.
Keep in mind that if you've been injured in an accident, there are time limits on your right to file a lawsuit. These "statutes of limitation" vary greatly from state to state and depend upon the facts and type of each case. In some instances the law requires a claimant to notify potential defendants about any injury within an extremely short period of time—as little as a few weeks or months.
In certain cases if you sit on your rights, you could lose them. You might have been angry for years over your neighbor's fence encroaching on part of your property. But if you wait too long without taking some legal action, the law might give your neighbor the right to leave the fence there permanently.
What type of lawyer do you need?
Many attorneys specialize in one type of law. Other lawyers handle a wide range of matters. You want to hire an attorney with expertise in your type of case or matter. If your company is going belly-up, consult a bankruptcy lawyer. For advice on estate planning, hire an attorney experienced in estate law.
Knowing a bit about the law will help you become a smarter legal consumer. From agricultural law to zoning and land use, from family law to taxation and more, lawyers.com provides basic law concepts which all good law-loving citizens should understand.
Where should you begin?
To find a reputable attorney, where do you begin? Do you simply jump in and call the lawyers who have the biggest ad in the Yellow Pages or the most commercials on television or radio?
What about referrals? Often people get doctor and dentist referrals from friends and family. Depending on the nature of your legal problem, that might be a good idea. Your sister's divorce attorney won't be able to handle your teenager's DUI charge, but he or she may be willing to refer you to another lawyer.
There are also referral services. Keep in mind, though, that most of these services simply compile lists of attorneys who are accepting new cases in the various practice areas. When you request a referral, you're given the next name up on the list--with no consideration of experience or expertise.
How can ArizonasFinestLawyers.com help you to select a lawyer? The lawyers listed here are experts in their respective practice areas. Each has been invited to participate based on a rigorous selection process that takes into consideration their experience, reputation and track record.
Each listing provides information on the kinds of cases the lawyer handles, as well as his or her resume. You'll already know a lot about the lawyer before you call to find out if he or she is the right lawyer for your case.
What about lawyers who advertise in newspapers, on television or radio?
Attorneys have the right to advertise truthfully to prospective clients. When responding to an ad for low cost legal services, find out what services a lawyer includes in his or her advertised fee. For example, a lawyer who advertises low fees for uncontested divorces will probably not include any applicable filing and related fees.
What's the next step?
Once you've zoomed in on a few lawyers or firms, it's time to telephone the office of each of your candidates. You might find it useful to sit down in advance and write a short summary of your case or situation. Don't hesitate to put together a list of questions you want to ask before hiring a lawyer.
Typically, you'll speak first with a receptionist or secretary. Here is an example of an initial inquiry:
"Hi, I've been fired from my job and I think it may be because of my age. I'd like to talk to an attorney about it."
"Does this attorney handle employment discrimination cases on behalf of employees?"
"How many employee discrimination cases has he or she handled?"
"Does he or she provide a free consultation to potential clients?"
"How long will it take me to get an appointment to discuss my case with this attorney?"
When you call an attorney's office, notice the courtesy of staffers who handle your call. Feeling comfortable is an important part of your relationship with your lawyer's office.
What about referrals from other lawyers?
If you contact a lawyer who doesn't handle your kind of case, he or she might be able to refer you to another attorney who does. Don't hesitate to ask about the referred attorney's legal experience and credentials, and if the referring attorney knows the referred attorney personally. If an attorney suggests a referral, you might ask if he or she is going to get a fee for the referral.
Anytime you do get a referral, you can check out that attorney's credentials in the ArizonasBestLawyers.com directory.
The first lawyer you speak with in a firm may offer you the services of another attorney in the firm. This is common practice. In many law firms, different attorneys specialize in different areas of law. Keep in mind that attorneys are not required to accept all cases or give referrals.
How can you prepare for your consultation?
Most lawyers are not scary people. However, you might be nervous about meeting with an attorney for the first time, particularly if you've had little experience with the legal profession. It could help to make a list of points and questions you want to discuss. Feel free to include questions you asked initially on the telephone, like inquiring if the attorney has had experience with cases such as yours.
A lawyer's willingness to explain procedures and answer questions may reveal something about his or her personality and the ability to interact with you in a manner that you find comfortable.
If you've been served with legal papers, bring them to the consultation along with important correspondence or other relevant documents. Show the attorney originals or copies. Don't leave documents with an attorney unless you've decided to retain that attorney. And be sure to keep your own copies.
How should you evaluate your consultation?
After the consultation, ask yourself these questions:
- Did the lawyer listen to you?
- Did the lawyer give you an honest evaluation of the pros and cons of your legal situation?
- Did he know the applicable laws affecting your case?
- Did the lawyer answer your questions about her education and experience without being offended that you asked?
- Did she give you complete information regarding her fees and billing practices?
- Did you feel comfortable with his style and personality?
Be comfortable with the lawyer you hire. You want to choose the best lawyer you can afford who is experienced, competent, and willing to communicate. Hire a lawyer who'll work with you and not just for you.
How can you be a good client?
A good attorney-client relationship is a two-way street. Take some simple steps to make sure that you're on the same wavelength as your lawyer.
To help your lawyer help you, think through and tell the lawyer your objectives. Agree on some ground rules. Discuss the kind of approach you want your lawyer to take to resolve the matter. Let the lawyer know what your expectations are with regard to being kept informed of developments.
Don't hold back relevant information. Keep your lawyer informed of any developments on your end.
If you have any questions about billing, raise them immediately.
What are the fees and costs?
The fees are dependent upon the type of case you have. For instance, personal injury cases are often handled on a "contingent fee" basis: the fee is a percentage of the settlement. If there is no settlement, there is no fee.
In other types of matters, for instance, drafting a will, there may be a flat fee. In still other cases, the lawyer may charge an hourly fee.
In addition, you may be billed for various expenses involved in your case, such as photocopying, postage, etc.
What is the cost of a lawyer?
Fees charged by lawyers vary depending on practice area, the legal problem, and the lawyer's experience and expertise.
For exceptional cases of need, there are lawyers who will handle a case on a "pro bono" (free) basis.